Why Share God’s Word with Mormon Missionaries?

We prefer labeling it that way rather than saying it is non-Christian only because there is so much confusion over the definition of “Christian”.

The Bible clearly and consistently teaches that there is only one way for people to be acceptable to God and be welcomed by him into heaven. That is by relying totally upon Christ’s work for them (Isaiah 53:5).

His punishment is what brings us peace. His wounds, and the blood that flowed from them, is what heals us. Salvation is all about what Jesus has done for us. It has nothing whatsoever to do with works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Being right with God rests entirely on what Jesus did for us. So much so, that any addition of man’s work in the mix ruins everything (Romans 11:6). Christ was perfection personified. Anything people might contribute is by definition flawed and thus mortally taints the perfect salvation Jesus has earned for us.

In striking contrast, Mormonism clearly and consistently teaches that humans must contribute to their living eternally with heavenly Father. An often quoted verse from the Book of Mormons says, “for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do (2 Nephi 25:23).” The official LDS manual, True to the Faith, expands on this. “The phrase ‘after all we can do’ teaches that effort is required on our part to receive the fullness of the Lord’s grace and be made worthy to dwell with Him” (p. 77). This is consistently taught in the LDS Church.

And this is consistently believed by LDS members. In thousands of conversations with LDS members, not one has agreed with us that they don’t have to do anything in order to live eternally with Heavenly Father. They consistently have upheld the teaching that they must do something to spend eternity in his presence.

This emphasis on a person’s work so that they can qualify to live with God for all eternity is enough to conclude that Mormonism isn’t a saving Christian religion. But many of its other teachings also lead to this conclusion. Here are a few examples:

Mormonism’s teaching that people can become gods. Referring to people who have faithfully followed Mormonism, the LDS scripture, Doctrine and Covenants, states: “Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them” (132:20, emphasis added).

Mormonism also teaches that there are many gods. For example, there is a LDS scripture entitled, The Book of Abraham. The fourth chapter contains an account of creation. Consistently throughout that chapter, instead of talking about God, it talks about Gods creating the world. If people can progress to become gods, it naturally follows that Mormonism teaches that there are many gods.

Why share God’s Word with Mormon missionaries?

Because it is our heart-felt conviction that Mormonism places them squarely on the part to the outer darkness of hell. We are conscience-bound not only to warn them of that danger but also to show them the escape route, namely, Jesus Christ (John 14:6).

This article is written by Mark Cares of Truth in Love Ministry and can be found at pleaseopenthedoor.com.